Do I REALLY need Step II to match?

[2ndyear]

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I had an interviewer ask me when I was taking Step II. My plan was to take it so the results would most likely not be available for the match, sometime in February. I don't think I applied to any programs that require Step II to match, but I may have. Has anyone matched before Step II scores are in? I'm not worried about getting interviews, have 20/31 so far. My Step I scores were low, but the thought of failing Step II before the match would basically kill any thoughts of matching at all. Yuck.

 

[normalforce]

bump

 

[dwstranger]

It's my understanding that you have to pass Step 2 by the ROL deadline (end of Feb.) or you are dropped from the Match. That may be true only for IMGs, though, so check out the NRMP website and see if they say anything about it... If you have to meet this deadline, then the latest you can/should take it is the first half of January (but remember that the first week of Jan. is blocked out) in order to get the scores back in time.

 

[gaseous]

Originally posted by dwstranger
It's my understanding that you have to pass Step 2 by the ROL deadline (end of Feb.) or you are dropped from the Match. That may be true only for IMGs, though, so check out the NRMP website and see if they say anything about it... If you have to meet this deadline, then the latest you can/should take it is the first half of January (but remember that the first week of Jan. is blocked out) in order to get the scores back in time.

I've never heard anything about this before. I'm not sure if there is a difference with IMG's but as an AMG I don't think step 2 has anything to do with the match.

FYI: Most of us who did well on step 1 aren't taking step 2 until anywhere between February-April. The main thing is to have step 2 passed before you start Residency.

 

[VentdependenT]

On a slightly different note, I've already got all my interviews that I want for the year and am planning on taking the step II at the end of december (scores back in jan). I don't care how I do, I just want to pass it and get it the hell out of the way. Will a low pass have a negative effect the chances of matching or will it help because the program knows you passed? Or should I just pay the $50 and reschedule it for the end of February.

I'm sure its been asked before but I'd still like to know what you all think.

 

[huktonfonix]

stop worrying so much about step 2. Its more afraid of you than you are of it (or was that bears.....oh yeah bears). Anyway, the longer you put it off the more you'll forget anyway. Just take it and get it out of the way. If you did well on step 1 you'll probably do similar on step 2. If you do poorly, withhold your scores.

 

[Lefty]

Can anyone list any of the programs that REQUIRE you to take Step 2 (in time to see your scores) before the match? Or any programs that PREFER to see your Step 2 scores?

Thanks😕 😕